Taking your theory test

The Theory test is broken down into two parts - Theory questions and Hazard Perception Videos.

​If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

The questions in the multiple-choice test will depend on the category of vehicle you are hoping to get a licence for. For example, a motorcycle theory test will
contain questions that don't appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, but the pass mark is different for them.

The hazard perception part

Before you start the hazard perception part, you'll be shown a short video clip about how it works.

You'll then be shown a series of video clips on a computer screen. The clips:

feature everyday road scenes

contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards

A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

How the hazard perception scoring works

The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score. The most you can score for each developing hazard is five
points.

To get a high score you need to:

respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development

press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test.

If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular
clip.

An example of when to respond to a hazard

Think of a parked car on the side of the road. When you first see it, it isn't doing anything - it's just a parked car. If you respond at this point, you wouldn't
score any marks, but you wouldn't lose any marks.

The difference between a potential and developing hazard

When you get closer to the car, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. This would make you think that the driver of the car is going to move away.
The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks.

The indicator coming on is a sign that the car has changed from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.

When you get closer to the car, you'll probably see it start to move away from the side of the road. You should make another response at this
point.

Hazard perception test types

Category

Video clips

Developing hazards

Pass mark

Car and motorcycle

14 clips

15

44 out of 75

Lorry and bus

19 clips

20

67 out of 100

At the end of your theory test

Your pass
certificate

Your theory test pass certificate runs out after two years of passing your test

At the end of the test you can answer some customer survey questions. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to, and they won't affect the result of the
test.

When you have finished the test you can leave the test room - but you won't be able to go back in. You'll then be given your result by the test centre
staff.

Your theory test pass certificate

If you pass your theory test, you'll get a pass certificate. You'll need this when you book and take your practical test, so it's important that you keep it
safe.

Your theory test pass certificate runs out after two years of passing your test. If you have not passed your practical test by then, you'll need to take and pass the
theory test again.

For lorry and bus candidates, when you have passed both tests you'll also get a pass certificate letter by post.